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FHDI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Your doctor has referred you for a diagnostic study known as Magnetic Resonance (MR) Imaging. It is an efficient, comfortable outpatient procedure which gives your doctor information to better evaluate your condition.
MR imaging produces detailed pictures by using a magnetic field, radio waves and sophisticated computer processing.
This page answers most people's questions about MR imaging. We invite you to study it carefully, then let us know if you have any further questions, either before or after your examination.
Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is now the preferred method for assessing many parts of the body, including the brain, joints and spine.
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No X-rays |
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Noninvasive for most examinations
(no injection of contrast agents) |
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No known health risks |
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How MR imaging works
In MR imaging, the body is placed in the magnetic field of the MR machine. Radio waves are then directed to the portion of the body being studied.
The MR computer reads the radio waves leaving the body and processes them into digital picture form (images). The images are recorded on film to become part of your medical record. These pictures are then analyzed by one of the radiologists at our center and sent, along with a written report, to your physician.
Precautions
There are several circumstances under which MR imaging should not be done, and there are precautions which must be observed in other cases. Before your examination, you will be asked whether or not you have any of the following:
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Cardiac pacemaker |
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Cerebral aneurysm clips |
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Insulin pumps or other infusion pumps |
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Cochlear (inner ear) implants |
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Neurostimulator |
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Other metal in the body, especially in your eyes. (Some occupations are particularly prone to this, such as metal workers and automotive mechanics) |
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Pregnancy or Copper-7 IUD |
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Preparing for the exam
No advance preparation is required. Eat normally and take any medication as usual, unless your doctor has given you other instructions.
What to expect
You will be asked to remove jewelry, your watch, credit cards, dentures, hearing aids and any metal objects which could be affected by the magnetic field. In addition, you will be asked to change into comfortable clothing that we will provide for the examination.
In the imaging room, you will be positioned on a softly padded table which will be moved into the MR machine by the technologist.
Depending on the part of your body which is being studied, a small device (coil) will be placed over or underneath you. This is not constricting, and it acts as a receiver for the radio waves produced by the MR machine.
If only a single part of your body (for example, your head, back or knee) is being studied, the examination usually takes 30-60 minutes. You will hear a rhythmic thumping noise and may feel a slight vibration, but there should be no other physical sensations.
Throughout your exam, you will be able to hear and speak to your technologist. While the space in the MR machine is adequate for most individuals, some people may feel uncomfortable in it. If you have problems in confined areas, please call us in advance to talk about this.
Occasionally a patient will need a moderate sedative to be comfortable in the MR machine. If this is the case you will need to bring someone to drive you home.
Your job during the examination is simply to relax and not move. The quality of your MR study depends very much on your ability to hold still. As in a time exposure photograph, the MR image will blur if you move.
Results
We will send films of your study and a written report to your doctor. You and your doctor can then discuss the results and how they apply to your medical care.
Risks and complications
In most cases, MR imaging is completely noninvasive, meaning that there are no injections.
In some situations, however, a contrast agent is needed. This liquid is given by injection prior to the exam. All contrast materials used are FDA approved and considered safe. The one used for your examination is specific to MR imaging, and it produces fewer reactions than the iodine-containing contrast used for CT scans and kidney x-rays.
There are no known health risks associated with the magnetic field or radio waves used in MR imaging. Furthermore, the exposure is of short duration and the radio frequencies are different than those suspected of possibly causing health problems.
Billing
Your MR exam is billed as a medical diagnostic procedure. As a courtesy, we will bill you insurance program on your behalf. Ultimately, you are responsible for payment.
For any portion not paid by your insurance, we accept cash, personal checks, VISA, and MasterCard. Accounts are due within 30 days from the service.
About First Hill Diagnostic Imaging
First Hill Diagnostic Imaging is known worldwide for development of innovative clinical imaging techniques.
Our staff physicians are all board-certified radiologists and have many years of clinical diagnostic experience with MR imaging, computer tomography (CT), and ultrasound, all of which are available at our facility. First Hill's doctors regularly participate in clinical research projects and publish and present the results of their research at national and international medical conferences.
Our support staff is one of the best. Everyone at First Hill is committed to making your visit comfortable and efficient.
We invite you to call with any questions or concerns.
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